Proud Hiddink delighted with response

Sunday 11 January 2009 00:05 BST

Guus Hiddink reflected on mission accomplished after the 4-1 demolition of Arsenal at Emirates Stadium secured Chelsea's safe passage back into the Champions League next season - when the Dutchman hopes the club will not be hit hard by a UEFA disciplinary rap.

Europe's governing body have yet to rule on the over-reaction of several of the Blues players - notably a foul-mouthed tirade into a live television camera by striker Didier Drogba - following their controversial exit to a late Barcelona away goal on Wednesday night.

Sunday's win at Arsenal not only ended the Gunners' 21-match unbeaten run in the Barclays Premier League, it also meant Chelsea cannot be caught in third place and the Dutchman said: "This gives me and everyone inside the club great satisfaction, considering the situation we were in in February."

He added: "We spoke during the first days, saying 'You are big men with big experience'. The team reacted perfectly and that is why I am very proud."

Hiddink praised his team's reaction at the end of what had been a tough week, and called on UEFA officials to show compassion.

"Everyone has talked about the incident afterwards, but in the game with Barcelona, there were no incidents, everyone respected each other," he said.

"He [Drogba] saw what he did wrong and apologised strongly.

"We do not know what is going to happen regarding that, but the people in charge at UEFA they have the feeling of being football people and not bureaucratic authorities, then they might perfectly understand that the big apology of his was okay.